A preliminary analysis of satellite data suggests that the scale of destruction from the twin earthquakes that hit Venezuela last week could be far more severe than initially estimated. The analysis, conducted by researchers at Oregon State University using high-resolution radar imagery from the European Space Agency’s Sentinel-1 satellites, estimates that approximately 58,870 buildings were likely damaged or destroyed across the affected region. This is a significant increase from the 855 buildings reported damaged by the Venezuelan government, including 189 total collapses.
The true extent of the damage is still being determined, but the satellite data raises concerns that the destruction could be widespread and severe. The earthquakes, which measured magnitude 7.2 and 7.5, killed at least 1,943 people, injured over 10,571, and left tens of thousands missing. The UN migration agency estimates that up to 6.8 million people could be affected by the disasters and require shelter, water, sanitation, healthcare, and essential relief items.
As hopes of finding survivors dwindle, efforts are underway to provide aid and support to those affected. The World Health Organization has sounded the alarm over potential disease outbreaks due to the damaged health facilities and low levels of pre-quake vaccination. The organization has identified gaps in obstetric care and chaotic service delivery in the hard-hit port city of La Guaira.
The government has militarized La Guaira and imposed a permit requirement to enter the disaster zone. The US military has repaired and reopened the city’s port, where a warehouse has been turned into a makeshift morgue for hundreds of unidentified cadavers. The UN has mobilized nearly 40 search and rescue teams, including over 2,000 troops and personnel, and more than 160 dogs.
The wait for news is fueling growing public anger over the authorities’ failure to prepare for the disaster and react more quickly once the quakes hit. Many families are still searching for loved ones, and the lack of machinery and equipment is hindering rescue efforts. The devastation is staggering, with entire neighborhoods reduced to rubble.
The estimate of 50,000 damaged buildings is consistent with what volunteer rescuers have seen on the ground. The situation is dire, and it is essential to provide help now to support those affected by the disaster.
